The Priory of the Orange Tree
Forty-Seven
by Shannon, SamanthaThe chapter follows Loth and Ead as they flee through the forest on the ichneumon Aralaq, heading toward the Lasian capital of Nzene. Loth reflects on his past, recalling memories of his sister Margret and their shared studies about Lasia, while grappling with the hope of reuniting with her. The journey is arduous, with Aralaq navigating treacherous terrain until they reach the foothills of the Godsblades, where they pause to take in the breathtaking view of Nzene—a city of golden sandstone, towering temples, and the grand Palace of the High Ruler.
Aralaq reveals that Ead’s wound is poisoned by an ice leech secretion, necessitating a stop for a cure in Nzene despite Ead’s urgency to reach Córvugar. Ead, weak and disoriented, awakens in a cave and learns of the delay. She realizes the Prioress intended for her to bleed out, framing her as a traitor for the Red Damsels to execute. Aralaq defends his decision, emphasizing that ichneumons protect their own, and assures her the poultice has neutralized the poison. Tension lingers as Ead worries about the relentless pursuit of the Red Damsels.
A strained conversation unfolds between Ead and Loth, who confronts her about her deceptions—her false identity, her feigned conversion to the Saint’s religion, and her hidden magical abilities. Ead admits to lying for survival but defends her beliefs, asserting that the Saint was a flawed figure who forced his religion upon others. She reveals her powers, including immunity to Draconic plague and the ability to manipulate shadows and fire. Loth, though resentful, listens as she explains the moral neutrality of magic, dependent on its wielder.
The chapter closes with an uneasy silence between them, underscored by the glittering torchlight of Nzene below. Loth’s anger is tempered by curiosity, while Ead remains vigilant, aware that their respite is temporary. The looming threat of the Red Damsels and the unresolved tension between the two characters set the stage for the challenges ahead, blending personal conflict with the urgency of their mission.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Aralaq stopping at Nzene despite Ead’s instructions to continue to Córvugar?
Answer:
Aralaq’s decision to stop at Nzene was critical because Ead’s wound was poisoned with a secretion from the ice leech, which prevented her blood from clotting. The ichneumon knew that High Ruler Kagudo kept a remedy for this poison in the city, and without it, Ead would likely have bled to death. This demonstrates Aralaq’s protective instincts and practical wisdom, prioritizing Ead’s immediate survival over the urgency of reaching their destination. The chapter highlights the tension between following orders and adapting to unforeseen circumstances in life-or-death situations.2. How does the chapter portray the cultural and geographical contrasts between the North and South through Loth’s perspective?
Answer:
Loth’s observations of Nzene emphasize the stark differences between his Northern upbringing and the Southern landscape. The city’s architecture—such as the Golden Library and the Palace of the Great Onjenyu—reflects Lasia’s rich history, while the natural surroundings, like the Godsblades mountains and the River Lase, showcase its grandeur. His recollection of studying Lasian history with Margret underscores his intellectual curiosity but also his outsider status. The chapter uses Loth’s awe and disorientation to highlight the cultural divide between Inys and Lasia, reinforcing themes of exploration and cultural exchange.3. Analyze the implications of Ead’s revelation about her magic and her true beliefs regarding the Saint.
Answer:
Ead’s confession to Loth about her magical abilities and her skepticism toward the Saint’s legacy shatters his trust and challenges his religious convictions. Her admission that she praised the Saint only to survive in Inys reveals the performative nature of her past actions and the complexity of her identity. This moment forces Loth to confront the contradictions between his faith and Ead’s worldview, particularly her view of the Saint as a “brute” who imposed his religion. The scene underscores themes of deception, cultural conflict, and the subjective nature of historical narratives.4. What does the Prioress’s use of a poisoned blade reveal about her tactics and moral boundaries?
Answer:
The Prioress’s decision to lace her blade with ice leech secretion demonstrates her cunning and ruthlessness. By ensuring Ead would bleed out slowly, she could avoid direct blame for her death while still eliminating a perceived threat. This tactic reflects her preference for manipulation over overt violence, as well as her willingness to exploit biological weapons (like the Draconic plague, to which Ead is immune). The chapter paints the Prioress as a calculating leader who prioritizes her authority over the lives of her followers, even those like Ead who were once loyal.5. How does the chapter use sensory details to create a vivid sense of place in Nzene and the Godsblades?
Answer:
The author employs rich sensory imagery to immerse the reader in the Southern landscape. Visual details—such as the “sapphire” lake, “red-brown” peaks, and torch-lit streets—paint a vibrant picture of Nzene’s beauty. Tactile descriptions, like Loth’s “quaking” thighs during the climb or Ead’s throbbing wound, ground the action in physical experience. Auditory elements, such as the “pounding of paws,” enhance the urgency of Aralaq’s journey. These details not only establish setting but also mirror the characters’ emotional states, from Loth’s awe to Ead’s pain and determination.
Quotes
1. “He had given up hope of ever seeing his sister again. Now, perhaps, there was a chance.”
This quote captures Loth’s emotional turning point as he journeys through Lasia. It reflects both his lingering despair and newfound hope regarding his sister Margret, marking a shift in his personal arc during this perilous journey.
2. “Mita deserved a cruel death for what she had done to Zāla, but Ead would not deliver it to her. She would not debase herself by murdering a sister.”
This reveals Ead’s moral code and internal conflict after the Prioress’s betrayal. Despite her anger and the justification for vengeance, she maintains her principles by refusing to kill a fellow sister, showcasing her complex morality.
3. “I confess I am what you would call a sorceress, but no magic is evil. It is what the wielder makes it.”
A pivotal moment where Ead reveals her true nature to Loth. This quote encapsulates the chapter’s theme of hidden identities and challenges Inysh prejudices about magic, arguing for nuance in judging power’s morality.
4. “The Prioress wanted her dead, but she could not do it herself without drawing suspicion. Better to slow her with blood loss, then tell the Red Damsels their newly returned sister was a traitor and order them to kill her for it.”
This exposes the Prioress’s calculated cruelty and political maneuvering. It highlights the dangerous intrigue within the Priory and sets up the ongoing threat Ead faces from her former allies.